We arrived early afternoon in Kanazawa after a shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Nagano. We’ll spend two days here exploring the city and enjoying the Samurai district. Kanazawa was not targeted during WW2 so many of the original Edo period (1603-1868) buildings are still standing. Many are the past homes of the samurai, who were sworn to protect their feudal lords against attack from other rival lords.

Cherry blossoms

Gateway

Shrine and rooftops (kinda artsy)

Shrine for lost children

A bit about the samurai. Samurai warriors (the word “samurai” in Japanese actually means “warrior”) reigned over Japan for more than 700 years, from the late 12^th century to the 19^th century. During shogunate rule, the samurai were the military rulers under the shogun, the emperor was more of a ceremonial figurehead.

As samurai influence grew, they gained more political power and were effectively governing the country. They lived under 7 strict principles: righteousness, loyalty, honor, respect, honesty, courage, and consistency. This became known as the “Power of 7” and it was thought that once you mastered these 7 principles, you would achieve the highest version of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

As with all reins of power, this one came to an end in 1868 when it was abolished during the Meiji Restoration, (1868-1912) a pivotal period in Japanese history marking the end of shogunate and imperial rule.

Nomura Samurai House temple room

Nomura Samurai House temple room #2

Garden

Garden

Garden

Nomura temple #3

Samurai katana and wakizashi swords

Samurai dress

Shoji (rice paper door)

Today, we’ll tour the samurai district and one of the original samurai homes, Nomura Samurai House.

Samurai district

But one of the best things about coming to Kanazawa is that there are king beds in the hotel! Sleeping like Ozzie & Harriet has its advantages but not something we’re used to. Nice to be able to share a large bed again, even if it is only for a couple of nights.

King size!

Tomorrow is free time so we’re going to sleep in, have a late breakfast, then off to the Omicho market to check out the latest in fish sales.

Stopped for lunch at a unique restaurant.

Perfect lunch spot

Ato no yatsura!